Judges visit Uttoxeter for Heart of England in Bloom competition

UTTOXETER has come under the eyes of the judges as it once again competes to be named among the most beautiful in the country.

Judges from the Heart of England in Bloom competition received a sunny welcome as they were greeted by Uttoxeter mayor Karen Haberfield, Andrew Riley, chairman of Uttoxeter in Bloom, and co-ordinator Tina Jeffery together with sponsors Russell and Sara Heath at the Strawberry Garden Centre for refreshments before the tour.

The group then headed to Bramshall Road to view mature residential gardens on their way to Bramshall Recreation Ground where they were met by Trudie Joyce, East Staffordshire Borough Council's maintenance officer, and were told about the green flag award, the Friends of Bramshall Park, the paddling pool and other key features including the new play equipment and to view the flowers.

They then proceeded to Holly Road and St Mary's First School before visiting the Hermitage Charity Trust Care Home for a tour of the grounds.

Judges also met with head teacher Julie Rudge for a tour of the Thomas Alleyne's High School grounds. They also saw the Alexandra Crescent allotments, the Carter's Square development, the town hall, the Maltings, the award-winning toilets in Bradley Street, Uttoxeter Library, Bradley House Club's floral displays, the floral enhanced roundabouts in Towns Meadows Way, Uttoxeter Railway Station, the Bamford Bridge and the Old Knotty Way to Stafford roundabout which has been planted with poppies to commemorate the centenary of the First World War.

Councillor Riley said: "I, as the chairman of Uttoxeter in Bloom, am extremely proud of our florally enhanced Uttoxeter and this would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of Tina Jeffery, our town clerk and Uttoxeter in Bloom co-ordinator, along with our sponsors, officers, volunteers, councillors and community groups.